The purpose of this study was to explore reasons why adults who are active in choral groups may not have been involved in secondary school choral programs. Patterns of enrollment problems were compared by participation level, gender, voice part, and whether or not the singer was a music major. Possible problems included were scheduling, personality conflicts with peers and director, quality of the musical experience, and perceived qualifications and abilities. Participants in this study (N=90) were members of two collegiate choral ensembles in a mid-western state university. Data were obtained by a researcher-designed questionnaire dealing with demographics, musical backgrounds, initial interest in singing, and possible reasons for non-participation in choral ensembles.

Most students had participated in high school choir (82%), though 17% of those participants were not always enrolled. Patterns of enrollment problems were generally the same for those who participated in secondary school choir and those who either did not participate or dropped out of the program at some point. Scheduling conflicts were rated highest for both groups, and lack of parental support was rated lowest.

Over two-thirds of those who did not sing in a high school choral group responded that they were always interested in singing. Men were much more likely than women to have never even considered enrolling in choir, and basses reported less early interest in singing than the other voice parts. Women rated personality problems with the director higher than did men, as well as conflicts with other musical activities and academic subjects.